Last modified: 11 May 2000
Several months later, after I had been given the gift of life, I realized that others faced with their own medical crisis might benefit from hearing the experiences of our family. As I worked to complete the story, I did not want to be so presumptive as to suggest that I could suddenly proclaim some simple formula to guarantee survival for anyone suffering from a terminal disease or life-threatening medical condition. What did become possible, however, was to relate our true story in a manner which would highlight those techniques which we felt were important in increasing our odds, not only for my own physical survival, but also for the psychological well-being of our family throughout this ordeal.
Although every disease cannot have a happy ending such as ours, what we have learned, both through our own situation and from discussions with other families, is that there are definite actions which can be taken to improve many situations, and possibly to shape a more favorable outcome. The final chapter, 10 Steps to Survive an Extended Medical Crisis, beginning on page 301, lists specific suggestions for use by the patient, family members, and friends. This chapter can be read as a "stand-alone" segment, but I recommend that the reader save it to be used as a summary and review after the case study has been read. Each of the 10 Steps contains several references to specific situations in various chapters of Life Row which illustrate the concept which we found to be useful.
We would like to encourage feedback from readers concerning their experiences. Please photocopy the form on page 334 (at the end of the 10 steps chapter), or simply drop a note to me at the publisher's address listed on the form. It is our prayer that your results will be as encouraging as ours.
I have used the real names of most of the health care professionals, family members, and friends who have been so instrumental in guiding us through this entire process. For those few individuals whose identity may be embarrassing, I have used fictitious names. All locations, dates, and facilities are as accurate as I remember them. While I have attempted to use technically correct terms for the many medical devices and procedures involved, my goal has been to present medicine from a layman's perspective. If there are errors and omissions, I accept full responsibility.
I am very grateful to have had the assistance and wisdom of many professionals who have provided input and corrections throughout development of the manuscript. Mark Davis, M.D., and Kathleen Kimberlin, R.N., were particularly helpful in pointing out many technical errors. Many other readers offered thoughtful suggestions throughout several drafts. A fellow teacher, Helen Vance, and a meticulous former student of mine, Jessica Cunningham, were very generous with their time and expertise in this regard. Marcela Drula, of Spectrum Publishing, was incredibly patient and creative in her design of the cover. The ultimate assistance came from my editor, Aaron Spurway, of Exchange Publishing. Without his continuous encouragement and good judgment, this project would not have been possible.
Successfully confronting adversity alone would have been extremely difficult, but I was blessed with a loving family whose support never wavered and friends who remained steadfast throughout our ordeal. I will be forever grateful for their generosity, assistance and prayers.
The true heroes of our story are the medical professionals whose
dedication, skill, and love gave Life Row a happy ending. Without their
unending efforts to save my life and to provide constant encouragement,
we would not be able to share our story with you.
Read an excerpt CH. 10 The Crash